The Los Angeles Chargers locked in one of their young defenders for the foreseeable future, signing cornerback Elijah Molden to a three-year, $18.25 million extension. The 26-year-old cornerback was set to become an unrestricted free agent next month after being traded by the Tennessee Titans to the Chargers last summer.
However, the Chargers liked how the young cornerback played in his lone season with the team and believed he could contribute to their defense going forward. That said, Los Angeles still has several moves to make over the next few months, especially if they want to return to the playoffs for the second consecutive season.
Chargers Need to Pursue WR Next After Molden Re-Signing
One of those moves should be getting a veteran wide receiver to help out quarterback Justin Herbert. This past season, Herbert found success in the passing game, thanks to the play of rookie receiver Ladd McConkey (82 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns) and second-year wide receiver Quentin Johnston (55 receptions for 711 yards and eight touchdowns).
For the Chargers’ offense to take that next step, they need a bonafide WR1, which will help McConkey and Johnston. The most logical option for the Chargers was Cincinnati Bengals standout receiver Tee Higgins, who would be one of the most sought-after free agents in this year’s class.
However, the Bengals will reportedly tag Higgins, taking him out of the equation. With Higgins off the table, the Chargers could explore a trade for Tyreek Hill or Deebo Samuel. Hill would give LA a premier deep threat, but he signed a restructured three-year, $90 million last summer with the Dolphins.
Meanwhile, Samuel is coming off a down year with the 49ers and is entering the last year of his deal. Therefore, the Chargers should go after Los Angeles Rams star receiver Cooper Kupp, who is on the trade block.
Kupp has slowed down over the last few years because of injuries but is the perfect player for Jim Harbaugh. He’s physical, can line up in the slot or the outside, and is an effective run blocker.
The 31-year-old wide receiver is set to make $20 million and $19.85 million over the next two seasons, which isn’t cheap.
That said, the Chargers are projected to have $70 million in cap space via OverTheCap.com, which is more than enough space to take on Kupp’s contract and add more talented players to the roster to stay in contention in the AFC.
After taking a huge leap in the Harbaugh era in 2024, the Chargers cannot rest on their laurels this offseason, they must add more to their offense.
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